Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has published a list last night of companies that have repeatedly failed to pay expatriate worker related fees such as for work permits and quotas to the State.
Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has published a list last night of companies that have repeatedly failed to pay expatriate worker related fees such as for work permits and quotas to the State.
The over 100 companies on the published list are those that, due to failure to settle the fees, now owes over MVR 100,000 in fines.
This is the first time that the government has disclosed the names of companies who have failed to pay expatriate worker related fees and fines.
In a statement released by the Ministry, they said that 1026 companies have unpaid fees. The list includes major businesses well renowned in the country as well.
Of the companies on the list, 123 owe more than a million to the State. The list shows that some companies have more than MVR 26 million now due to the State.
The incumbent government has decided to take several steps to address the issue of expatriate workers in the country. This includes deporting expatriates who are illegally conducting businesses.
Yesterday, the government proposed an amendment to the Employment Act where companies that are negligent towards expatriate employees, such as by failing to pay salaries, will be fined MVR 50,000.
Since assuming office, 2000 expatriates working and living illegally in the country have been deported by this administration.
Maldives Immigration has also introduced a portal called 'Immigration Watch' through which anyone can submit complaints and concerns regarding expatriate workers, if desired, anonymously as well.
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